Chapter 326: Change

Eight li south of Susong, at the Wharf docks, an unbroken line of grain transport ships was coming ashore. Large numbers of red-coated government troops poured rapidly across the gangplanks onto the dock. Garrison Inspector soldiers set marker flags at various points, indicating the assembly areas for each division after disembarking, and roared at the newly landed banner teams, ordering them to speed up and clear the dock's staging ground. Every Banner Commander was hitting and cursing; after a brief moment to dress ranks upon landing, each Centurion immediately led his unit away from the dock.

The Land Combat Division, first ashore, had already formed up facing north outside Chang'an Port. Two small cannons were deployed on either flank of the formation, sufficient to protect the security of the landing zone. The Land Combat Division's Scout Cavalry Banner had split into four groups and was chasing the few Mounted Bandits spotted nearby.

Pang Yu's flagship was in the second wave. After a shudder, the hull came to rest at the dock. Two gangplanks were set, and Pang Yu led the way ashore, striding up onto the dock. Guo Fengyou and others set up a table in a nearby Rice Bean Shop to serve as a temporary command post.

Taking advantage of this brief interval, Pang Yu observed the overall landing operation from the dock. The Garrison Battalion already had experience with this type of dock landing. Due to the presence of numerous shops along the shore, the disembarking troops could only exit the landing zone from the two ends. Because the storefronts generally encroached upon the streets, the dock roads had become even narrower.

The Chang'an Port dock was broad, but to facilitate troop movement, the fleet docked ten ships at a time. Each grain transport ship carried one banner team, unloading two companies' worth of soldiers at once.

The troops currently landing were from the First Division. Soldiers were everywhere, and the shouts of officers filled the surroundings. On the lake, masts stood dense as a forest. The previous batch of grain transport ships departed, and the second batch of ten ships entered the dock from the east side. At that moment, a loud crash sounded — right before Pang Yu's eyes, two grain transport ships collided. Several soldiers were shaken into the water, causing a brief commotion nearby.

Pang Yu was not surprised. The Land Combat Division's landing had been extremely smooth because they were all carried by Water Army vessels. During joint training, even the ships were relatively fixed, and they coordinated with practiced skill. The Land Battalion, however, mostly rode requisitioned civilian boats. Although Water Army personnel were aboard to direct them, they could not instantly become as proficient as Water Army ships. Disorder during the crossing and collisions or capsizing during landing were entirely expected.

Though this landing zone could hardly be called perfectly orderly, it was a world apart from the chaos of the first landing at Puzikou. Pang Yu was not currently worried about the quality of the landing, only the speed of its completion. Fortunately, he saw soldiers carrying small bronze cannons disembarking. The ships nearby must belong to the First Division's directly subordinate units, composed of the Scout Cavalry Banner, Mobile Infantry Banner Team, Artillery Banner Team, and Banner Drum, among others. This meant the First Division's landing was about to conclude.

By now, Guo Fengyou and the others had finished setting up the command post. Pang Yu left the dock and strode into the Rice Bean Shop. Xie Zhaofa, the Blacksmith Company Commander, and Yao Dongshan were already waiting inside.

The Blacksmith Company Commander said bluntly, "Seven Roving Bandits were captured in the medicinal shop ahead. One is a squad leader under Chuang Tatian's command."

"How were they caught?"

"This bunch of bandit spawn were sleeping."

Pang Yu was slightly surprised. It seemed the Roving Thieves were completely unprepared in the direction of Susong County Town, sleeping soundly in broad daylight.

The Blacksmith Company Commander continued, "Interrogated this bandit spawn. Last night they fought a night battle with Government Troops somewhere on the post road. His hand was wounded, so he withdrew to Susong to recover. Since many of his servants died, he came to the lake to wait, planning to seize commoners coming ashore from the lake."

Pang Yu nodded. "Bring him in."

A moment later, a bare-chested Roving Bandit was dragged in. Pang Yu glanced at him. The man was around twenty-six or twenty-seven. The cloth wrapped around his left arm still bore bloodstains. The red headscarf was not tied on, but his topknot was indeed the Three-Piled Topknot popular among the Westerners. Now he knelt obediently on the ground, occasionally stealing glances at the surrounding government troops, his expression quite panicked.

Pang Yu sized him up briefly and knew this man was not one of firm resolve — he would likely confess without even needing much torture. He addressed him directly: "This officer is the Assistant Regional Commander of the Anqing Garrison Battalion. I am questioning you now. If you answer honestly, your death sentence may be commuted."

"This lowly one will be honest, definitely honest."

"What is Chuang Tatian planning?"

"The Post Commander said the Jiangnan Troops can't fight. Master Chuang and the Western Camp's Eight Master put their heads together. Only by wiping out the Anqing Prefecture's government troops is there a way to survive."

"How many camp heads in total? Besides Eight Thief, who else?"

The squad leader gaped for a moment, then said, "Anyway, quite a few. It was because the Western Camp came that this lowly one was pulled back."

Seeing the man confessing quickly, Pang Yu looked at Xie Zhaofa, signaling him to continue the questioning.

"Where did you fight the Government Troops in the night battle yesterday?"

The squad leader knelt on the ground and said cautiously, "This lowly one doesn't know where. Only knows the government troops were on a mountain."

Xie Zhaofa stepped forward. "Was there a river nearby?"

"Answering the master, no river. Just a mountain."

Pang Yu's brow furrowed. If Shi Kefa had heeded his advice and defended at Old County, the Roving Bandits could not possibly have missed seeing a river. In his plan, Old County was the ideal chopping board — farther from Erlang Town and with the natural barrier of the Old County River. After routing the main force, most of the Roving Bandits would have been unable to escape.

Now, with no river, the battle might have occurred at Fengxiang Courier Station. The advantage was that the Roving Bandit main force was farther away, giving Pang Yu ample time to seize Erlang Town. The disadvantage was that Pang Yu would have to march a longer distance, and the terrain around Fengxiang Courier Station also made escape easier.

Xie Zhaofa paused, then asked another question. "Does that post road pass over the mountain or below the mountain?"

"Mountain..." The squad leader tilted his head, seeming not to remember clearly.

Xie Zhaofa shot Guo Fengyou a look. Guo Fengyou went over and grabbed the squad leader's wounded left arm in one grip. The room instantly filled with screams of agony.

"Spare my life, sir! It passed over the mountain." The Roving Bandit screamed miserably. "This lowly one remembers now. We left the post road and walked to attack. That post road went up the mountain."

Pang Yu and Xie Zhaofa exchanged a glance and said almost simultaneously, "Fengjiadu."

Having just been there the previous month, neither of them was unfamiliar with the place. In Susong, this was the only spot where the post road passed directly over a hillside. Pang Yu strode quickly back to the table. Fengjiadu was a mere twenty li from Erlang Town — even closer than Susong was to Erlang Town.

Xie Zhaofa asked several more rapid questions, including how long it took the squad leader to reach this spot and how many rivers he crossed from Erlang Town. Finally, he confirmed that the night raid had occurred at Fengjiadian.

This completely exceeded Pang Yu's expectations. He had never imagined Cheng Long would be so aggressive, striking directly from Taihu all the way to Fengjiadian. This made his plan even more difficult.

Now that the main army was landing, with quite a few Roving Bandits active in the vicinity, word would gradually reach Erlang Town. There was even a Pedestrian Road at Chema River, and this squad leader had very likely come by that route. News would reach Fengjiadu even faster. This information suddenly heightened the tension of Pang Yu's situation. Not only were the Roving Bandits numerous in men and horses, but they were only twenty li from Erlang Town, while Pang Yu was over forty li from Erlang Town — and entirely on foot.

Since arriving near Chang'an Port, Pang Yu had received nothing but bad news. The Roving Bandits' troop strength and positions both exceeded his plan. Pang Yu bent over the table, pondering. The others dared not interrupt. The room was somewhat quiet. Yao Dongshan discussed in a low voice with Xie Zhaofa, while the Blacksmith listened nearby. That Roving Bandit squad leader clutched his left arm and lay on the ground groaning. Pang Yu waved his hand, and Guo Fengyou dragged him out.

Pang Yu frowned at the map. "Has the First Division finished coming ashore?"

Yao Dongshan glanced toward the dock and immediately said, "The last two companies are forming ranks now."

"Any word from the cavalry?"

"None." Xie Zhaofa answered quickly. He roughly understood Pang Yu's intention and added in a low voice, "Sir, if we attack first with only two divisions, and Erlang Town happens to have a large number of Roving Bandits, a single failed strike will alert them."

Pang Yu frowned. His plan had been to wait until all the infantry had landed and the cavalry had arrived, then advance together on Erlang Town. The cavalry would serve as the vanguard for the assault. After seizing Erlang Town, if a large force of Roving Bandits came from the Guangji direction, the cavalry would pursue toward the Mountain Pass to prevent the Guangji Roving Bandits from regrouping. One part of the infantry would defend Erlang Bridge, while the main force would immediately attack eastward along the post road. This would commit the most powerful force and leave the Roving Bandits no time to react.

But now, learning that Cheng Long had reached Fengjiadian, not only had they lost the terrain advantage, but the enemy was ten li closer than planned. Factoring in the time for Mounted Bandits to deliver the message, the distance had shrunk by twenty li. If they continued waiting at Chang'an Port for follow-up troops to land, the Roving Bandits would gain even more reaction time.

The Garrison Battalion's current advantage was that even if the Roving Bandits received word, they could not immediately determine Pang Yu's troop strength or objective. But they would first recall some of their elite troops and adjust their forward and rear formations. This would cost the Garrison Battalion the suddenness of a surprise attack and add considerable trouble to the subsequent offensive. What he had told Xie Zhaofa earlier — that once ashore, all plans became useless — had only been words of comfort. He never expected it to prove prophetic. Xie Zhaofa's concern was also valid. Pang Yu needed to weigh the risks of both plans.

Pang Yu beckoned the Blacksmith and Yao Dongshan over and said in a resolute tone, "The Land Combat Division and the First Division will serve as the Vanguard. Yao Dongshan is appointed Frontline Commander. Attack Erlang Town immediately. Do not halt or divide your forces en route. Seize and hold Erlang Town with maximum speed until this officer arrives."

"Yes, sir." Yao Dongshan and the Blacksmith stood at attention simultaneously, answering as if by conditioned reflex.

The two turned to leave, but Yao Dongshan suddenly stopped and said, "Sir, the county town is the hub where all county roads converge. The Advisory Room's earlier plan left no garrison troops there. This subordinate believes troops should be left to hold it."

"This officer understands. Go do your jobs. The Land Combat Division will leave five scouts at the dock."

Only then did Yao Dongshan hurry out. The atmosphere in the room was heavy. Pang Yu paced in circles while Xie Zhaofa remained bent over the map.

A moment later, Xie Zhaofa said to Pang Yu, "Sir, what Yao Dongshan said has some merit."

"The Roving Thieves are strong in numbers. Our battalion must not only hold Erlang Town but also attack the post road, and may even have to assault the Mountain Pass. That makes three directions. This is not the time to divide our forces further."

"This subordinate believes a small force can be placed here. Sir, please look." Xie Zhaofa waited for Pang Yu to come over, then tapped several spots on the map. "The flatlands around the post road form roughly a triangle. Erlang Town controls the western passage, Old County controls the eastern passage. Between Fengjiadian and Erlang, only Chema River has a Pedestrian Road leading to the county town. We could certainly leave a unit to block this road, and the Roving Bandits would have nowhere to flee."

Pang Yu frowned for a long moment. His top priority now was to crush the Roving Bandit main army. Expanding the victory came only after that. Still, Susong County Town did have its uses. Currently, the Garrison Battalion was deploying its entire force. If Roving Bandits escaped through this corridor, they could go straight to Shipai, bypass Taihu, and flee into the mountains.

"One company at most." Seeing Xie Zhaofa about to argue further, Pang Yu waved his hand to stop him and said, "Send three scouts to find the Cavalry Division on the road. Tell them to come at maximum speed. No need to come to Chang'an Port — go directly to Susong County Town. If the main force has already left for Erlang when they arrive, have them follow at once. Notify the Water Army to increase speed and complete the landing within one double-hour. Also, find a few Tailors from the battalions and have them immediately make several Left Banners. Make the Left character large. This officer needs them before we reach Erlang Town."

Xie Zhaofa was inwardly puzzled. Tailors were part of each battalion's establishment. Everyone had to march — how could tailors sew flags with needle and thread while completing a march at the same time? But Pang Yu's tone was resolute, and this was someone else's problem. Xie Zhaofa himself, having offered a good suggestion, had already put Pang Yu in an awkward position. There was no need now to provoke the Chief Official over a few tailors. He simply acknowledged the order and immediately dispatched runners to relay the verbal commands. Ships were tight for this crossing and landing, carrying almost exclusively infantry. The spare vessels prioritized the Artillery. That was why only the Land Combat Division had brought its Scout Cavalry Banner — because they were the first wave ashore and needed to conduct battlefield reconnaissance.

At that moment, the sound of footsteps approached. Wang Zenglu strode into the Rice Bean Shop. Pang Yu seized the time and briefly explained the deployment to him. Wang Zenglu was slightly nervous. Pang Yu looked at him and said, "After your division lands, immediately occupy Susong County Town. Once this officer has assembled everyone, we will proceed to Erlang Town... Leave one company from your unit to guard the county town. They will not move with the main force. Have them block the Pedestrian Road coming from Chema River. This company will operate independently — assign a capable man."

Time was pressing. Wang Zenglu offered no extra words. He received his orders and hurried out. The dock was filled with soldiers forming ranks. At a glance, he spotted Wu Dacai, who was bellowing loudly.

Wang Zenglu paused briefly, pushed aside a few obstructing Garrison Inspector soldiers in his path, and came before Wu Dacai. "Centurion Wu, after attacking Susong County Town, you will remain to guard the county town and block the Pedestrian Road leading to Chema River."

Wu Dacai snapped to attention. "Yes, my lord. Block the Pedestrian Road leading to the Cart Horse River."

Wang Zenglu did not return the salute. He patted him and said, "You're the only Company on this road. You must hold it tight."

The order was very clear, but Wu Dacai did not even know where that road was. Yet he was not worried. He remembered the native places of most of the men in his Company — at least ten were from Susong, and two of those were from Cart Horse River itself. He could find them and ask for details, though he would have to wait until after they left the Wharf.

Just as he was about to resume forming up the ranks, Wu Dacai suddenly saw the figure of Mr. Hou passing by before him. Ever since the bandit preparations began, he had not seen Mr. Hou for a long time. He hurried forward two steps and said, "Greetings, Mr. Hou. In this great battle, I pray you take good care of yourself."

Mr. Hou's expression was rather poor. He looked up, saw it was Wu Dacai, and gave a dry chuckle as he cupped his hands. "So it is Lord Wu. This old man is nothing more than a Clerk Officer. No need for Lord Wu to trouble himself over me."

With that, Mr. Hou put away his smile and walked straight into the Rice Bean Shop. Wu Dacai stood frozen, staring at the doorway of the Rice Bean Shop for a moment, then slowly turned around and walked toward his own team.